Reef Build 2013

[Dowtish]

That's a great list for fish.

What exactly are you dosing for ammonia?

 

[Rhino]

That's a great list for fish.

What exactly are you dosing for ammonia?

Thanks! Really like the fish list. I am dosing Ace janitor strength ammonia.


Ryan

 

[Rhino]

Do I need to cycle with the lights off or on?


Ryan

 

[bknapp]

Lights during the cycle aren't needed, I turned mine on for a few hours so I could look at the tank. But depending on lighting used you may want to run a few full light cycles to take note of temperature fluctuations throughout the day but leaving the light off will also keep algae growth to a minimum.


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

 

[schooleyosis]

I'd say leave the lights off during the cycle. I ran mine on the full lighting cycle and I think it prolonged the cycle.

 

[Rhino]

Thanks guys. What can I do to move the cycle along? It has been cycling since feb ready for fish and corals lol.


Ryan

 

[gmoney243]

Bacterias like microbacter 7 or some established live rock. You should be well ready to toss in a fish by now lol

 

[Rhino]

Bacterias like microbacter 7 or some established live rock. You should be well ready to toss in a fish by now lol

I know man. Fireman23 gave me a nice chunk of live rock my first week into the cycle. Not sure why it is taking so long.


Ryan

 

[bknapp]

Have you done anything to add ammonia to the tank? Have you ever saw ammonia on a test? With mostly dry rock you won't see the normal die off from the live rock people normally use to cycle the tank. I used mostly dry rock when I set up my tank so I used Dr. Tim's ammonia to up the ammonia, a lot of people also use a dead shrimp to add the ammonia. Using the ammonia my cycle took about five weeks.


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

 

[Rhino]

Have you done anything to add ammonia to the tank? Have you ever saw ammonia on a test? With mostly dry rock you won't see the normal die off from the live rock people normally use to cycle the tank. I used mostly dry rock when I set up my tank so I used Dr. Tim's ammonia to up the ammonia, a lot of people also use a dead shrimp to add the ammonia. Using the ammonia my cycle took about five weeks.


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

Yeah I am dosing ACE ammonia.


Ryan

 

[bknapp]

What has your ammonia tested at?


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

 

[Rhino]

I keep it dosed to between 3 & 4 ppm.


Ryan

 

[bknapp]

How often do you dose? How quickly does it fall?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to help find the answer.


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

 

[Rhino]

How often do you dose? How quickly does it fall?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to help find the answer.


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

No problem looking for all the help I can get. I usually dose every two to three days. It's usually back down to 0 within that time.


Ryan

 

[bknapp]

I would dose it to around two ppm and test tomorrow. Have you had a nitrite spike? Have any nitrates?


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

 

[Rhino]

I would dose it to around two ppm and test tomorrow. Have you had a nitrite spike? Have any nitrates?


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

Yeah nitrite and nitrate are off the chart.


Ryan

 

[bknapp]

Here is a link explaining the nitrogen cycle, it will explain it much better than I can:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/4/chemistry

Here it is in a nutshell:

Ammonia-->NitrItes-->Nitrates

Once you reach the peak of your nitrites (which are still harmful) they turn into nitrates (which are safe) your bacteria is alive and working. After your highest point of nitrites you wait for them to turn into nitrates and do a large water change to get your nitrates down and your cycle has been completed. I think you've been extending your cycle. Start watching your nitrites and once they convert into nitrates do a large water change then add a fish.


I use LEDs..... In my sump.

 

[gmoney243]

I always cycle with fish as long as you just add one small fish and barely feed will be no harm. If a big tank u could add a few small fish. Mollys are actually one of my favorite to cycle with since they cost like $1.50 and are super hardy and all you will find are tank bred they eat algae especially diatoms are stupid and easy to catch to remove later lol

 

[Dowtish]

Your nitrites and nitrates are off the chart because you continue to dose ammonia. They are constantly trying to convert it/break it down. I would not dose anymore ammonia. I would get some bacteria in a bottle. either microbacter or microbe lift special blend dose that for 2-3 days and add some fish. And then just be ready to do a water change if somehow you get an ammonia spike once you add the fish. There is no way your tank has been up this long and it's not ready.